Pat Tillman

This is one story that gets to me in the most profound way. Former NFL player Pat Tillman died in combat yesterday while serving as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan.

In 2002, He walked away from a $3.6 million offer from the Cardinals to join the Army and turned down an even bigger offer before that from the Rams. By becoming an Army Ranger, he intended to go to where the most dangerous assignments would be.

This man had what popular culture holds dear – money and fame. His life shows what how trivial those things are in the end. He lived and died for duty, loyalty and protecting this country.